JPH0321953B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention relates to methods and apparatus for time clock recording and accounting purposes and the like, such as employee time cards and related uses, and in particular to employee time, attendance and other systems. and is in a manner and format that can be easily and directly recorded on a time card, and directly by a payroll machine or other computing device or the like. It relates to things used for. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Although this invention will be described below with particular reference to its preferred application to the problem of automating the process of recording employee working hours, this is by way of illustration of an important application of the invention. However, it is understood that the present invention may also be applied to other applications that include similar requirements, as described below. Current recording of an employee's or related attendance is mostly accomplished manually by a mechanical clock that stamps the start and end times on the employee's time card. be. The elapsed time is also normally calculated manually by the administrator. This calculation is fairly complex, taking into account various company policies regarding early arrival, lateness, overtime, sick leave, holidays, holidays, and other factors. In companies that use computers to prepare payroll, this information must be placed on spreadsheet cards, magnetic tape, or disks in a format that can be used by computers. Several approaches to the problem of automating such processes have been made with varying degrees of improvement. Among these proposals were systems that designated each employee with a magnetic or punch badge that could be read out electronically. However, such an approach has several disadvantages. These include employee concerns that employee records may be altered or mishandled without a permanent record such as a time card. Furthermore, laws and union agreements often require the specific use of time cards. Apart from the problem of overcoming the inertia involved in moving from a widely used method to a new and less reliable method, there is also a high degree of change in employees or accounting information for labor. Difficulties immediately involved in the distribution of new badges for new employees or the provision of transferred or lost badges, changes in work, changes in labor accounting, etc., with high costs for badges, in situations where badges are often changed. There is. Among the prior art machines for attempts to improve upon this technique is the Cincinnati Time Recorder Co. Model 75, as described in Bulletin D-554-5. Badge Reader and Model 80 Optical Scanner
Scanner). This device reads the employee's badge and then prints time information in OCR format on the copy paper tape stored in the device. This information is also stored in adding machines and other rolls of paper that employees can see through the window as they punch in and out.
This is printed for the employee's confirmation. However, this record is not one that can be kept by the employee, nor is it in fact a convenient form of record for the employee to keep. At the end of the payroll cycle, the paper tape must be removed from the time clock and run through another machine to optically scan the tape and transfer the data to magnetic tape for input into a computer. For such an approach,
Although in some given cases, this is far from an adequate solution to the above-mentioned problem. First, it lacks records used by employees. next,
It requires replenishing the machine with paper tape and involves the physical transfer of data to the computer as distinct from direct data transfer.
The need for a separate optical scanning means makes the overall system expensive for small-scale users and, depending on the underlying technique, does not allow for rapid development of new badges. Furthermore, it requires a mechanical time clock and a standard time card as a backup system. A similar device was published in the newsletter “The C.H.I.
4111 Clock (The CHI4111Clock),
As described in CHI4111B2773, the computer
Computer Hardware, Inc.
It is sold from. It is conceptually similar to the Cincinnati Model 75, but CHI's equipment uses magnetic tape cassettes instead of paper tape. Still, a second device is required to transform the data into a format that can be read directly by a computer, and lacks the ability to transmit data directly to a computer. . A similar, but different, approach is that of Simplex Time Recorder Co. of Ghana, Massachusetts. As described in its newsletter 3089-69, “Scan Card Recorder (Scan-Card Recorder)
In the case of "Card Recorder", a special time card is used, and the card is printed in type that can be read by OCR.
At the end of the payroll cycle, the card must be read into an optical character reader, transferred to magnetic tape, and then sent again to the payroll computer. An improvement on the concept of the above machine can be found in the catalog ``The Smart Clock'' by Coastal Data Services, Inc. of Miami, Florida.
It is described in Although badges are used in the system for employee identification, no written records are provided for use by employees. However, in this product, time and attendance data is stored in solid state circuit memory until the memory is questioned by the payroll processing computer. It is also provided with a keyboard for entering special information. Although this is a microprocessor-based product, on the other hand, no specialized software is provided, such as an application for payroll pre-processing. A similar system is available from Epic Date Corporation, Bellevue, Washington, as described in Catalog ED-5 (10-76).
It is sold from. Other devices have been disclosed in which a tabulation card, pre-punched with employee ID information, is read and time information is then punched onto the card. At the end of the payroll cycle,
These cards are used for input to the computer. Such equipment is manufactured by Datron Systems, New Jersey, USA.
Model 401 listed in Catalog 04A of Systems, Inc. and Stromberg Products, Connecticut.
Model 3600 in the catalog F-600, etc. A third category of equipment for these uses is completely independent payroll systems. Such systems include terminals that are always on-line to the computer, either supplied by the manufacturer as part of the system, or supplied by the customer to be used with these terminals. Either. These devices are manufactured by Interflex, New York, USA.
Inc.'s Interflex 256 (1975) and Systematics, Inc.'s Plantime System System, New Jersey, USA.
A.R.C. (Plantime System ARC)
There are some that are listed in the catalog.
An example of a terminal suitable for use with a general-purpose minicomputer is the Date Action Tracker (DC) from Panasonic Company, New Jersey.
10260377) and the Incomate 301 catalog of Incoterm Corporation of Massachusetts. Furthermore, as a system that collects data on time and attendance, firstly for safety measures, and secondly, there is a system that collects data on time and attendance.
Electronic Systems Company (Rusco)
The Cardentry System 500 (Cardentry System 500) is described in the catalog of Electronic Systems.
System 500) (PUB 110017, 5th 14th 1976)
There is a system like this. Still other systems read employee information from a card and then print the time on the card (Amano, Japan).
Corp.) Catalog, Aredocata
1070). This is accomplished with a time card that instructs the employee by punching in the bottom of the card. The time and attendance terminals are coupled to the paper punch machine where data collection takes place. This tape is then read into the main payroll processing computer, which then sorts the data in preparation for payroll. Since the card reader terminal has no intelligence of its own, it does not calculate or print out the total hours worked by each employee. Examples of prior patents that include the features described above and related prior art include U.S. Pat.
There are No. 3639732, No. 3365714, No. 3350545, No. 3284929, and No. 2735617, etc.
None or any combination will solve the above-mentioned problem. PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION As mentioned above, prior art devices only partially solve the overall problem of automatic payroll preparation. characteristics needed to accomplish a complete task,
Features embodied in the invention include: reading employee identification and labor accounting information directly from time cards; preparing such time cards quickly and inexpensively; , time-in, time-out, and overall payroll hours; and to notify employees of various company policies regarding early arrival, late arrival, overtime, sick time, holiday time, vacation time, etc. Calculating the total hours that should be paid based on the calculation; making it possible to input the necessary parameters for such calculations without the need for special programs in the factory; outputting the data. Allowing changes to be made or inputting additional data; Storing data within the time clock; Formatting data into a standard clock format; For questions and answers: Directly sending data to a computer for processing payroll payments, etc. Moreover, according to the invention, there is no need to reclassify prepared materials or magnetic or punched plastic or other badges associated with the limitations mentioned above. In contrast, the use of a simple cardboard or similar card that is easily marked with a pencil, pen, or any other marking means capable of producing a mark on a piece of paper. Thus, these cards can be readily available in any office. The time clock system of the present invention is capable of reading and interpreting these marks, and is capable of reading and interpreting these marks, including the prior art MarkSense system (such as the MarkSense system of Valcor Engineering, New Jersey). Xanaduu Club (Valcor Engineering)
Corporation, Xanadu Division) catalog,
Unlike the 17820MX Up-Timer, which is a density-sensitive card reader, mark density is not something that needs to be taken into account. In fact, the present invention provides a novel mark-sense reader that allows for easy marking, a versatile algorithmic approach to computational This eliminates the need for cost. It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method and apparatus for recording and calculating time clocks, automatic payroll preparation, etc. It does not suffer from the above-mentioned disadvantages and/or limitations or inadequacies in the system, but rather allows the production of an automated payroll system that has not only some, but all of the above-mentioned features. A further object of the present invention is to provide a new recording and computing device which is more versatile, and a novel self-adjusting mark-sense scheme which is particularly useful in devices of the present invention and other fields. The invention further provides a novel time clock card and sensing device. Another object of this invention is that employee time, attendance and similar information can be updated continuously;
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new method and apparatus that can be easily printed on an employee's time card and that can be accessed directly for internal or external communications. Further objects of the present invention will become clear from the following description and claims. [Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a card for time and other data, which has user identification information and also has a space for recording additional data. A time clock recording method for use in: electronically storing user identification, time and other data; and every time you check out,
monitoring the markers and defining appropriate markers associated with appropriate data recording locations on the card;
Stopping the card at the above position; At the intermediate position of the card, a plurality of markers for dividing the mark sheet field are continuously provided in the vertical direction, and each time the check-in and check-out are performed, the markers are stopped. monitoring and electronically retrieving user identification information in said field; responsive to said retrieval, retrieving data relating to said user from said electronically stored data; check-in and check-out; electronically summing the time periods between and persisting the recorded data with respect to the total time period of the user; and upon checkout, said data regarding the total time period with said data recording location on said card; A method for recording, calculating and related uses of time clocks is provided, characterized in that the time clock is recorded, and the card is released after recording. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a time clock recording and calculating device for use with cards for time and other data, having user identification information and having space for recording additional data. According to the invention, means for receiving the card and permitting its insertion along a predetermined path; a plurality of markers arranged in a longitudinally continuous manner on the edge of the card; and means for monitoring the markers; means disposed along said path for defining a suitable marker associated with a suitable data recording position on said card and stopping said card at said position; at an intermediate position of said card; A plurality of markers for dividing the mark sheet field are provided continuously in the vertical direction, and a plurality of markers are provided along the path for reading and identifying the user identification information in the field by monitoring the markers. means disposed along said path and normally inactive, but when activated, for recording additional data at said position on a card and thereafter releasing said card; and; means for storing identification or other data; means responsive to reading of identification information on said card for summing time periods between times of insertion of said card; and summing for a user and their corresponding time period; a microprocessor and memory means comprising means for generating and storing data; and inputting said data into said recording means, validating said data and recording said data in said space of said card. An apparatus for recording, calculating and related uses of time clocks is provided, characterized in that it includes means for making the summation of data available immediately on the card and in the recording means. The present invention further relates to time card means and sensing means thereof, in accordance with the invention receiving means of the time card means, optical mark sensing reader means and detecting the presence of a time card and the position of the card along said receiving means. and means for sensing: a plurality of said time card means inserted along said receiving means arranged successively at a card edge to enable sensing of card position; with the marker;
a mark data field for accepting an identification mark for mark sense readout; a blank area corresponding to a marker placed at the edge to accept a printout of time and related data, along with the appropriate card position marker; a printout field having a printout field; and further characterized in that said receiving means includes a card presence sense area for indicating the presence of said timecard means. Furthermore, the present invention provides a time clock recording and calculating device using a data card provided with a track of vertically arranged continuous black marks at predetermined intervals and a mark sense field space for data. A mark sensing device for use, according to the invention, comprising guide means for accepting a card and allowing the card to be inserted and passed along a predetermined path; for reading marks on the card; photosensitive mark sensing means including clock track sensing means disposed along a path and aligned with said track, and data channel sensing means for reading data along said mark sense field; and and means for setting the sensitivity of the mark sense detection means to an intermediate level in response to sensing a black mark on a clock track. Other features and preferred constructional details according to the invention will be described below. [Example] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the entire device will be explained. Figures 1A and 1C show the console or housing H of the preferred device with the panels removed to expose its interior, Figure 1A a front view thereof and Figure 1C a front view thereof. A side view is shown. FIG. 1B also shows a top view thereof. The time card T has a photosensitive transistor sensor block or similar readout line or sensor array 1 inserted into the top surface slot and card assembly guide 2 and cooperating with mark sense electronics.
Pass 7. These are discussed in detail below with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B. Timecard T is shown extended to printer area 19. The printer area includes a print drum;
This print drum is co-operated with an opposing solenoid controlled impact hammer means, described below, and the lower end of the card which is operated on a time card clamp or capture solenoid. A power supply 1 and a backup power supply (battery) 3, which maintains random access memory (RAM) for the system, are conveniently located on one side of the bottom edge of the console, and along the other side of the console H are the microcomputer circuit boards. 5 is installed. As shown in Figures 1A and 1C, the LED
A type of digital time display 11 is provided on the top panel, which is also preferably an LED or similar device. A lamp or bulb type indicator 13 of abnormal or incorrect function or condition is provided on its underside, and a keyboard 27 is also provided on the top panel. As will be described later, an electronic circuit board 29 for optical means, printing, a keyboard and a display section,
29', and a loudspeaker 31 for providing an audio response when the keyboard is operated or when an indication of unauthorized operation is to be conveyed, may be arranged in the upper section of the console H, on the underside of the top panel. be. The side view of FIG. 1C also shows the mother circuit board 21', which contains all the interconnections from the various printed circuit boards 5 that plug into the same type. The display 11 and tamper indicator valve 13 are mounted on the top of the unit so that they are visible from the outside, and although the keyboard is also shown in the same location, the keyboard is located on the exterior surface of the console. There is no need to By way of further example, the keyboard 27 may be configured to prevent unwanted use or abuse.
It may be located within the console so that it is operable through a door or panel. or coupled via a flexible cable to the associated electronic circuitry so that the operator can open the console, touch the keyboard, and then insert it back into the console to enter whatever information is desired. The same can be internally arranged as a movable subassembly made of General Operation This concludes the description of the general mechanical layout of the preferred device of the invention. Before giving a detailed description of the physical configuration and operation,
It is believed that it will be helpful to first outline the general operation of the entire system using a block diagram for clarity of understanding. According to FIG. 2, the aforementioned power supply section 1 accepts a commercial AC voltage such as 115 or 220 volts and generates the required AC and DC voltages and currents required by various parts of the device. It is something that makes you When this main power supply section is turned off, the backup battery 3, which is not normally used and is charged from the main power supply section, is used for the main parts of the device, namely the microprocessor 5 and the random access It acts to maintain the memory in an operational state. Suitable microprocessors that can be used for this invention include, for example, the Mostek
There is something described in the technical manual of Z80 of Corporation). Portions such as the printer 19 and the display section 11 are not supplied with power from this emergency power source because they will not be activated in an abnormal situation. However, it is absolutely necessary to preserve the contents of the memory, especially for random access memories. Here, two types of memories are used for the microprocessor 5. Program memory 7
(PROM) and the aforementioned random access dynamic memory 9 (RAM). The program memory 7 stores firmware. That is, the control logic performed by the microprocessor 5 to generate the appropriate command sequences as required to read the card T, print on the card, operate the keyboard 27, etc. Tsuku is remembered. On the other hand, the data storage memory 9 stores the information obtained from reading the time card T or from starting the time clock, for example regarding the parameters for when people can enter and leave and similar data. . All data stored in 9 is retained for use by a larger payroll processing computer located elsewhere, for example. This information can then be transmitted via a telephone line via a modem 25 or the like by external communication means to either the central holding computer or the payroll processing computer. The numerical display section 11 mentioned above is used to indicate the date and time and to provide feedback to the operator as to when it is activated.The operator also inputs the date and time on this numerical display section. make them do A six digit LED type display is shown for illustrative purposes. The four abnormal function display parts 13 are incandescent light bulbs or
LED indicators or the like, for example, if the card is not read properly, if someone other than the person who is supposed to press the time card T, or if a service is requested. This indicates abnormal operation of the clock, such as when some kind of problem occurs with the current clock. A card detector 15 is provided, which detects the time card T when it is inserted into the time clock guide 2. This card detector may be one of two types. It may be a combination of a phototransistor and an LED or the like coupled to transmit light to the phototransistor. Alternatively, it may be of a reflective type, so that when a card is inserted, light is reflected and incident on the phototransistor, and when no card is inserted, it is not reflected. In either case, the detector 15 alerts the electronic device that the card is inserted or that the card is still in the machine and indicates its status until the card is removed. be done. According to the present invention, the time card T includes various divisions, as will be described later, and a clock track mark 2 used to define the position of the card with respect to the line to be printed, in particular with respect to the printer 19. Contains a vertical margin set of '. There is also a clock track 2'' at the bottom center of the data field 6 which indicates the number of columns being read.The data field 6 is the area where information is marked sensed on the card.Print area 10 (Fig. 3) is the upper area of the card T, and is the area where information output from the time clock is printed for the user of the card.In the block system shown in Fig. 2, the time card T is marked Although shown exposed to the sense detector 17, this actually reads the information in the data fields of the card T and converts it into a format used by a standard microprocessor 5. Printers 19 specifically designed for printing on cards may be of various types, such as drum printers or matrix printers. Although it has been previously mentioned that the loudspeaker 31 is used to issue an alarm alerting the operator to an abnormal condition, such indications are not limited to loudspeakers.Another alarm device, ferroelectric resonance Turning now to keyboard 27, information on starting the clock, including setting the exact date and time, the end of the payroll cycle, etc., may also be used. It also allows a supervisor or operator to issue specific commands to a given clock, such as changing or entering something that is not normally allowed, or requesting a summary of information on a given clock. It may also be used by maintenance personnel to test various specific functions of internal clock components. For example, by turning a printer on and off, To make sure that there are By requiring memory checks to be performed by A keyboard can be used to check what is going on. There are basically two types of communications used in the system of this invention: external and internal. For external communications, as described above in connection with modem 25, the clock may be enabled to transmit data to a payroll computer or a predetermined central maintenance computer. The external communication port is
For example, it may consist of an RS232C interface, a modem, and a data access mechanism, and is adapted to automatically answer a telephone call when the bell rings to provide two-way telephone communication. Internal communication is illustrated at 23. Frequency shift key (FSK) for internal communication ports
are included and produce tones that represent digital signals and allow one clock to communicate with another. It has at least three major functions. First, in multi-clock systems, it is often necessary to synchronize the time on all clocks. Second, it allows a person to punch in to a given clock and punch out to a different clock that has no information about him or her;
The same can be achieved by communicating between clocks. A third use of this is to support an external communication port as a cluster controller and
The goal is to prevent the clocks from answering calls at the same time, ie, communicating on one telephone line at the same time. Time Card Here, the novel time card T of the present invention will be explained in more detail, particularly with reference to FIG. As previously mentioned, the time card uses vertical margin track marks 2' shown at the left edge, although the opposite edge may also be used. The clock track mark 2' determines the position of the card with respect to the print line adjacent to a particular clock track mark 2'. As illustrated, the parallel marks are preferably equally spaced. A similar inner or central clock track 2'' preferably separates the data field 6 into two halved sections, doubling the amount of allowable skew of the card. The inserted data, such as the block 8 that is filled in with a pencil, can be read accurately.
This is an area 10 where information is printed, as indicated by 10 and the like. Although the card of this invention is used for various purposes, its primary purpose is to record the attendance and departure of an employee and to track the amount of time, in order to pay the employee for both the day and the week in question. It is to display. A typical print line of 10″ is
For example, it consists of the following items: The date, for example, the 26th of the month; the time the employee punched in, for example 12:49pm; the time the employee punched out,
For example, 3:52pm; the total number of hours worked on this day, for example, 3 hours and 3 minutes. Since each employer has established rules such as penalizing employees for being late and rewarding employees for arriving early, daily working hours vary from the time the employee punches out. This is somewhat different from simply calculating the difference between the time and minute of punch-in. The last item on the line is the total working hours for the week,
For example, this week it is 3 hours and 3 minutes. When a card is inserted, certain checks are made by the microprocessor computer device to ensure that the card has been properly read. The bottom surface of each data field 6 is a start code, with the left hand side being an all black line 2A and the right hand side being an all white start code 2.
Indicated by B′. When card T is inserted,
On the microcomputer, one would expect to find, for example, a black start code 2A on the left;
It is then expected to find 10 data columns and a white stop code 2B above and to the left.
In the period there is a fixed number of clock tracks that must be counted. In this case 12
It is individual. Therefore, when the card is read by the computer, the two blackest marks in the column will be found and one will be checked as the start code 2A, thereby checking the other as the desired mark. becomes. Most likely, if one of those marks is not the start field code 2A and the last column read is not the white code 2B, the computer will reject this and respond appropriately. In this case, a sound is generated from the speaker 31, and one of the abnormal function display sections 13 is turned on. In such a case, the card will be required to be reinserted. Regarding the normal operation of Time Card T,
The employee's number is marked in the data field 6. As an example, the card in FIG. 3 shows an eight-digit employee number, 63659026. It seems that one box has fallen off.
To check that the data field has not been improperly marked, a check adder digit is used in the last column of the employee's number. Considering employee number 6365902, the last digit is 6.
is calculated electronically from the first seven digits. In fact, the time clock is checked by comparing what is read with what was calculated in the first 7, and when the calculated number matches the read number, the time clock is checked for the employee user. It will simply accept the card as being legitimately identified. For the employee's number pre-coded on the card, the employee will insert the same into the guide 2 of Figure 1A, and once the employee inserts it, the data field 6 will be marked with the mark of Figure 2. It passes through the sense detector 17. The mark sense detector electronically reads and extracts the information from the card, and the computer then references the employee's predetermined identification information and other information electronically stored in the data storage memory; Calculate which line should be printed next. When a card is inserted, the clock track detector counts the number of clock tracks 2' that have passed and when it reaches the part corresponding to the line to be printed, the card capture solenoid (part of the card printer assembly 19) 1) captures or clamps the card and holds it firmly so that the month, date and time of punch-in are printed, for example at 10''.
At this point, the card capture mechanism is released and the employee is free to withdraw the card from the system. Since the card detector 15 so indicates, the machine knows when a card has been removed from the device and is now ready to accept the next card. However, when an employee punches in, an unusual situation may occur. As an example, rules governing employee replacement may not allow employees to punch in at certain times. In this case, the time clock does nothing. without capturing the card,
There is no printing on the card. However, an illegal or illegal input instruction is displayed on the abnormal function indicator lamp 13. Also, employees sometimes forget to punch out. Employee 1 on the 26th:
Assume that you punch in at 52pm and return at 2:56pm on the 27th. Klotzk says that if it turns out that more than 16 hours have passed, he won't let the worker punch out at that point, since this is a rule that states punching out for this particular shift. . Instead, the clock indicates that a punch-in is missing in an area that would normally be punched-out, and continues on to the next line, prompting the worker at 2:56pm on the 27th, which is considered a punch-in. Let's punch in. If a card with a special number for the supervisor is used, the normally inactive keyboard 27 is enabled. The supervisor may now use a keyboard to enter commands, as described above and in detail below. It is also possible to use a maintenance card, which allows the person maintaining the device to access predetermined software routines to determine if it is malfunctioning. In such an example, the keyboard 27 is activated with the number of the maintenance card and entered by the keyboard to enter commands for testing various components within the device, as described below. Control Logic The control logic for operating the device in its normal mode will now be described. The logic diagram of FIG. 4 includes a list of control functions. Normally, the microprocessor 5, in addition to keeping track of and displaying time, is constantly waiting for the insertion of a card into the card reader or mark sense detector 17. When the time card T is inserted and detected by the card detector 15,
Data on the card is read. On the other hand, if there is no card in the card reader and the card detector 15 detects nothing, the computer will detect any internal or external communications, such as at 25 and 23 in FIG. Determine whether there is any such request. If there is such a request, the request is processed and the computer waits for the card to be inserted into the reader. When the card is inserted into the reader, the data is read by the mark sense reader 17,
Next, the processor determines whether the card is a legitimate card by checking the start mark 2A, stop mark 2B, etc. regarding the 12 intermediate clock tracks 2'' on the card T, as described above with reference to FIG. If the card is not read as a legitimate card, the processor sends a trouble signal over the loudspeaker 31 to alert the user that the card has not been read, and indicates in the trouble indicator 13 that the card is being read again. Insert”
illuminates a descriptive word to let the user know to release and reinsert the card, causing the control logic to wait until the card is removed before making the reader wait for card insertion. . On the other hand, if the card inserted into the reader is actually read legitimately and as a legitimate card, the processor determines the type of card, as described above. For example, it is one of three types of cards. It can be an employee card, a supervisor or operator mode card, or a maintenance mode card. As mentioned above, the processor can determine whether it is an employee's card by the check digits at the end, but supervisor mode cards and maintenance mode cards have specific numbers and their Unlike the employee's number, the 8th digit is not a check digit. If one of these cards is not determined, the computer turns on a "bad input" light and waits for the card to be removed from the reader before returning to normal processing. If the card is actually either a supervisor mode card or a sustain mode card,
The keyboard 27 is activated as described above and the computer is searched for valid operator mode commands or maintenance mode commands. The processor first examines the command to determine whether it is an output command, meaning either supervisor or sustain mode output. If it is an output command, the keyboard 27 is deactivated, the lamp under the keyboard goes out, and the state returns to the standby state for reader insertion of another card. If the command is not an output command, processing is done. The computer then returns to searching for other commands until it receives an output command. If the inserted card is an employee card, the processor searches the employee file stored in the data storage memory 9 and calculates the next line of the card to be printed. After calculating the line, the clock tracks 2' are counted until the next printing line is reached, and the computer
Determine whether the employee is allowed to punch in at this time. If the employee is not allowed to punch in at this time, the computer lights up the inappropriate input indicator 13 and waits for the card to be removed from the reader before another card is inserted into the reader. wait for. However, if the employee is allowed to punch in at this point, the card is captured at the calculated print line and the processor then determines whether to punch in or punch out the employee. When an employee punches in, the printer prints the month and day on the card, prints the current hour and minute, and stores the information in data storage memory 9. Next, the time cart T is transferred to the printer 19.
Wait until the card is removed from the reader before releasing and returning. On the other hand, if the employee punches out, the computer causes the time and minute of the punchout to be printed on the card, stores the time and minute of the punchout in the data storage memory 9, and calculates the number of hours worked on that day. The total hours are calculated and printed, and in addition to this, the total working hours for the corresponding week are calculated and printed. Once this is complete,
The time card will be released from the printer 19 and the processor will wait for it to be removed before returning to searching for the insertion of another card. The basic processing of cards has been described above, but we will touch on more detailed points. For example, as described above, whether or not the employee forgot to punch out is determined by the fact that 16 hours or more have passed since the card was captured and punched out without punching out the current time. In this case, the processor assumes that the employee actually forgot to punch out. The processor prints "forgot to punch" in the area where the card was captured and where the employee was expected to punch out, assuming the employee punched in. Time is accumulated from that point on, but areas where punchouts were forgotten are ignored since it is not possible to calculate the total time. Looking again at supervisor or operator mode commands, there are at least two basic types of commands. The first type of command causes data to be changed or modified in some way. The second request reports or summarizes the data on the clock. Examples of the former include changing the date and time, changing the date, making a copy of the employee's time card because it has been lost, and when the employee is normally prohibited from punching in. This is a command such as allowing an employee to punch in. The second type of command is a list of all employees and how many hours they worked in that week or on that day, a summary of all employees who punched in late, did not punch in at all on that day, and were absent. It is for compiling clock information, such as a summary of employees or a summary of employees who have worked more than a certain number of hours. As an example of a specific supervisor or operational command, consider changing the time displayed by a clock. The operator places the clock in operator mode by inserting into the card reader a supervisor or operator mode card containing a specific operating mode, access, code in the mark, sense, field. This effectively acts as a switch, and indeed in other embodiments of the invention a similar function is performed by an electrical key switch, which will be described below. As mentioned above, the system firmware is such that the last digit of the employee number is 8.
It is recognized that the number on this card is not an employee number because it is a check addition digit calculated from the first seven digits of the employee number. When the system calculates the last digits on the supervisor card and it does not match the last digits on the card, a special table of numbers determines whether one of them is a supervisor or operator mode access code. It can be investigated. When the number on the code is determined to be an operator mode access code, the firmware illuminates the keyboard 27 and allows the keys to be operated for input commands. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the keyboard commands that change time are "*, 1, ENT". After entering this command, the operator enters the time on the keyboard (eg, 1245A). If no other corrections, commands, reports, etc. are required, the operator then:
Return the clock to normal operating mode by entering "*, 0, ENT" on the keyboard. As a result, the keyboard 27 becomes inactive, and the time is displayed on the numerical display section 11. Use of the card of the present invention provides a positive switch for operator or supervisor mode switching, and likewise allows maintenance or diagnostic personnel to change from normal operation to the respective operator supervisor or diagnostic mode. It has a decisive advantage in that it is different from a key switch. With the preferred card changeover, the present invention allows for a permanent record of, for example, a printout of the particular maintenance routine that has been performed. Yet another advantage is that pre-recorded instructions on the card can be entered directly by use of the card, a keyboard can be used to give commands, or a combination of these techniques can be used; It is possible to achieve either of these. Furthermore, cards according to the invention are useful as keyswitches for reclassification.
However, such switching does not capture all applicable technical features of the card. As an example of a maintenance mode command (eg, speeding up the time), the time clock firmware includes diagnostic routines designed to aid in repair and maintenance of the unit. These routines are only accessible when the clock is operated in maintenance mode. One routine enables three keys on the keyboard even after the clock returns to its normal mode of operation. These three keys are used to increase the rate as time on the clock increases. The first key speeds up time by a factor of 60, the second key by a factor of 600,
Also, the third key is used to return to the initial rate. When entering maintenance mode, the maintenance person inserts a maintenance mode access card that illuminates and activates the keyboard. The maintainer then uses the keyboard to enter speed improvement commands. In the system of Figure 1B, this would be, for example, "*, 5, ENT".
It is. He then enters "*,0,ENT" to enter command mode. This stops the keyboard illumination and partially deactivates the keyboard. The clock operates in its normal manner;
The date and time are displayed in increments of 1 minute each minute.
However, when the "4" key is pressed, the speed of time display on the display 11 increases by 1 per second.
minute increase. By pressing the ``7'' key, the time display will increment by 10 minutes every second, and by pressing the ``1'' key, the time display will return to its starting rate, increasing by 1 minute every minute. Make an increase. Electronic Wiring of Subassemblies FIG. 5 shows how the various subassemblies are electrically coupled. They relate specifically to the mark sense detector or card reader 17 (i.e., card guide assembly 20 and printer assembly (PA) 19) and are partially exposed for illustrative purposes.
They are also arranged side by side and crosswise. The card guide assembly 20 of FIG. 5 is provided with a "card clamp solenoid" means for clamping and immobilizing the card at the appropriate point relative to the electronic equipment located on the printer interface board 29. and is coupled through its plug P4. Card detector 1 as described above
5 (FIG. 2) is mounted on a printer assembly 19 which is connected to a plug P6 of a so-called optics board 29' which contains all the electronics associated with the optical operation of the device. Card T
A sensor or card read block 1 for the actual detection of data on the clock track 2' of the
7 (FIG. 2) is mounted on the printer assembly and is coupled to optics board 29' via plug P7. Suitable printers for this invention include, for example:
Model manufactured by Practical Automation Company
DTP9 is mentioned. This type of printer19
The various operations of and similar printers are as follows. (1) Via plug P5 to printer interface board 29, actuate the solenoid of the printer head to produce a dot. (2)
Plug P1 of printer interface board 29
Lateral movement of the dot-creating solenoid array by a stepping motor, the "head motor" of the printer, which is coupled to and controlled by the printer. Printer 19 also includes a photo detector or other detector. This is called a "printer head detector" and is necessary to detect when the printer head has reached the end of the line and reposition it to the starting point of the line. Shown combined. FIG. 5 also shows how the battery 3 and power supply section 1 described above are coupled to the motherboard 21' of FIG. 1C. Referring again to assembly 19 in FIG. 5, a ribbon motor for the so-called printer is coupled to plug P2 of printer interface board 29, which takes into account wear and advances the ribbon during printing. used for. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) includes a microprocessor 5 and a program memory (PROM) 7, shown in FIG. placed on top. Above them is shown the arrangement of an optics board 29' containing the electronics used to read information from the card, and above which also drives the various previously mentioned functions of the printer. There is a printer interface board 29 that contains the necessary electronics for this purpose. Above these is a "DSKY" with electronic equipment for driving the display and decoding the keys on the keyboard 27 in Figures 1A-C.
There is a board. A suitable optical sensor assembly array or block 17 for mark sensing and reading information on the card is shown in detail in FIGS. 6A and 6B. To illuminate specific areas on the card, a lamp array 17' is mounted on the board, which is preferably passed through a green glass filter or the like to filter out a large portion of the infrared spectrum. It's like that.
The phototransistor array is exposed through an opening 17'' to a limited field of view corresponding to the area where marks can be written on the card.
The phototransistor may receive a significant amount of reflected visible light if the card is essentially white or unmarked, or it may be black, absorbing light to be distinguished from reflection. If a mark is placed on the card, it will either receive very little light or the like. Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate how the components of an electronic device are electrically coupled and controlled by a microprocessor 5 whose configuration includes address, data and control buses, as is known in the art. is shown. For example, for an 8-bit microprocessor 5, the data bus is shown in FIG. 7 to provide eight lines for transferring its data eight bits at a time. The address system is a 16-bit address bus that allows addressing up to 64,384 words of memory. The control bus is shown as a four-line control section. The microprocessor bus is interfaced to a PROM 7 (Figure 2) containing program instructions with address and control lines coupled to standard order decoding circuitry, and a data bus is
coupled directly to the appropriate line on the PROM,
The data is decoded and input to the microprocessor. Also shown in FIG. 7 is a random access memory circuit 9 (RAM), which, as previously described in connection with FIG.
Physically, it is placed on a separate board from the CPU and PROM. Decoding addresses is done in a manner similar to that of PROMs. Also, the data line is directly coupled to the microprocessor 5 to decode the data.
It also writes data from the microprocessor to RAM. Such bidirectional data flow is shown in FIG. 7 by the double-headed arrow "data" of the RAM circuit 9.
PROMs, on the other hand, are unidirectional, as indicated by the single-headed arrow "data" above them. FIG. 8 shows the bus extension of FIG. 7 and how it is connected to the different subassemblies of the time clock, including printer 19, keyboard 27, clock track detector and mark sense circuit 17. This indicates whether the interface is being used. The instructed decoding method is based on standard known techniques. Suitable circuits for printer 19, keyboard 27, and clock track and mark sense 17 are described in Section 10.1.
1, 12 and 13 below. FIG. 9 is a further extension of the bus configuration shown in FIG.
3 and 25 are shown. Considering the external communication section 25, such as to a computer, its purpose is to poll all the time clocks of the device and collect information, and the interface function is to poll all the time clocks of the device and collect information.
232C type interface, such as the Bell Model 103 modem (or similar Vadek
Modems by Motorola Semiconductor Products Corporation (1976 booklet "Why Modems")
- Application Note AN-747 of Conductor Products Inc.
“Low-Speed Modem System Design Using MC68”
see the MC6860). The actual interconnection to the telephone line is via data (data access arrangement). This is normally done by the Bell Telephone Company (Bell Telephone Company) for automatic answering of telephone lines.
(A suitable Bell Company model is listed as CBS Telephone Company).
1001A or F, or CBT 1001B or D). For internal communications to contact different time clocks located beyond a defined area, as mentioned above, the first task is to transmit time from one time clock to another, and then all It is necessary to synchronize the time clocks. The purpose of this separate internal communication section, as mentioned above, is to enable many time clocks to communicate with the same central computer via telephone lines and to avoid time conflicts. etc. This is accomplished by transmitting a clock to a central computer, for example via a Bell 103 compatible mechanism as previously described. This clock then receives commands and then relays them to other clocks in the system. Therefore, it is sufficient if only one clock is connected directly to the telephone line.
Therefore, in Figure 9, one clock (#1)
is coupled to another time clock (#2) via a known frequency shift keying modem 23. Returning to FIG. 8, a detailed description of appropriate printer circuitry 19, keyboard circuitry 27, clock track and mark sense circuitry 17 will be provided for carrying out the present invention. In FIG. 10, a preferred printer circuit 19 is illustrated for controlling the actual printer mechanism described above with respect to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, buffer U3 is used to drive each of the transistors TR1-7 coupled to each of seven solenoids S1-S7 that control the seven dots in the dot markers of the printer head. and 7 coupled through U4
The input data lines D ₀ -D ₆ of the book. The last line, _D7 , is used to supply power to the head motor that drives the head across the print line, as described in the embodiment of FIG. Diode R'1- shown coupled across solenoids S1-S7
R'7 is used to prevent unreasonable negative voltages resulting from the current drive of the solenoid magnet and to prevent the drive transistor from being destroyed. A schematic diagram of a suitable capacitive keyboard 27 is shown in FIG. 11, where the keys are represented by capacitors. The signal from the square wave oscillator (e.g. 80KhZ) that passes through the keyboard capacitor is normally in phase with the signal that does not pass through the keyboard. However, if you touch one of the capacitor keys, the phase changes and the output changes. In particular, self-propelled
An 80KhZ square wave oscillator signal is applied to the input of buffer U3A for buffering. U3B returns the phase φ to 0°. This buffered signal is then applied to the inputs of analog multiplexers U10 and U11, exclusive OR U6
1 input of Q1 and the gate of Q1.
Outputs 0-7 of U11 are subsequently selected, while U
10 is prohibited. Outputs 0-7 of U10 are then selected, while U11 is inhibited. This addressing process is repeated until data is detected at D ₀ ', indicating that the character has been selected. After the data has been entered, the addressing process resumes. Operation mode I (no character selection) 80KhZ signal (φ = 0°) is output from U10.
(2), that is, multiplexed in the character "CLR". The "CLR" character is not selected, so
The φ=0° signal passes through C ₁ and C ₂ to an approximate total amplitude at the summing node. Another signal with φ=180° also appears at the summing node via _C4 and the drain of Q1. Depending on the DAC level,
The amplitude of the signal with φ=180° is much lower than that of the signal with φ=0°. The signal is added, resulting in a reduced amplitude signal with φ=0°. The AC coupling of both the input and output of U9 produces a signal of φ=180° (at the output) that oscillates above and below ground. U30 is a linear inverting amplifier, thus the phase returns to 0° and the signal is referenced to ground. U6A performs the instructed exclusive OR function, and in this case (mode), the output is shown as (3). Note that the output 1 at the addition node produces an output (3) in the exclusive OR. The output (3) of U6A is U6
Due to the slight phase shift of the input part b of A, it is mixed with noise. This is caused by additional gate delays along the signal path. The delay τ is used to reduce "spikes" and lower the threshold and is approximately 5ms.
U6B is used for buffering U4. U4 gates data (“0” in this case) with KEYWR-L. Since no data was present, the selection process addresses the next character to "check" to see if it is selected. Operation mode (with character selection) The operation here is similar to the mode as far as the signal path is concerned, but there are the following differences. Since the character was selected, the φ of 80KhZ
The =0° signal is effectively grounded through capacitance _C3 at the MUX output. The output of C ₂ (at the summing node) is approximately zero. Here, the only signal appearing at the addition node is the signal (2) of small amplitude φ=180° coupled through _C4 . Signal 2 at the summing node produces signal (4) at the exclusive OR output. As before, according to this case (mode), a logic 1 occurs at the output of U4, and when KEYWR-L is applied, "1" is input, and thus the character is input. Ru. The selection of the adjustment signal from the DAC makes the amplitude of the φ = 180° signal (2) the same as the amplitude of the combined φ = 0° signal (1) as in mode, and at the same time must not become too large beyond the signal φ=0° at U4, thus causing a false D ₀ ′=
yields 1. This adjustment is performed using the hardware DAC−
This is done automatically through software interfacing. CLOCKTRACK CIRCUIT AND MARK SENSE READER CIRCUIT As previously mentioned, an important feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it is not demanding on the type of card and the markings on the card. In fact, the present invention also provides a novel mark-sensing reader that reliably identifies intended marks from accidental marks such as dirt, fingerprints, etc. In addition, cost containment is met by efficient use of microcomputer components required for different purposes. As previously mentioned, prior art mark sense readers utilize threshold operated comparator circuits in which the threshold transition from dark to bright is absolute. When unintended marks are darker than the threshold or intended marks are brighter than the threshold, there is a risk of misinterpretation. Additionally, matching thresholds from channel to channel and maintaining threshold settings as a function of time and temperature can be quite difficult and costly. On the other hand, according to the present invention, the optical density of the printed dark mark is recognized by reading out the clock tracks 2' and 2'', in which the optical density of the mark is known. A fundamentally different process is performed than when reading a data channel for which the data channel is not predetermined.Accordingly, in the mark sense reader of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as explained below, A different circuit is used for the clock track compared to that for the data channel. Turning first to the mechanical aspects of the novel mark-sensing reader according to the invention, it is preferable to use a black light-absorbing material. 6B, as shown in FIG. 1A.
Directing the card T as it is pressed down on the phototransistor lines or the front of the block 17, represented by symbols Q5, Q6, etc. in the figure;
It is used to align and correlate with the phototransistor in the circuit of FIG. As previously mentioned, the field of view of the phototransistor is limited to areas corresponding to individual mark sense blocks or spaces in the data area 6 of the time card T of FIG. Thus, the light originating from the lamp 17' is either largely absorbed by the black mark or largely reflected by the white card. The presence or absence of this light is then detected by each phototransistor. As aforementioned,
Since the card guide 3 is made of black light absorbing material, the mark sense detector cannot distinguish the black mark on the time card from the absence of the time card. Therefore, the LED light source and phototransistor 15 of the card detector of FIG. Clear stipulations about non-existence are made possible. First, considering the clock track mark sense electronic device of FIG. 12, light emitting diode D1' and phototransistor Q1 provide
The card detector 15 of FIG. 2 described above is constructed. When the time card is in the mark sense reader, the collector potential of Q1 is high and goes low when the card is removed. Inverter U1 is used to sharpen this waveform transition and is coupled to buffer U2, the output of which is enabled by the ``enable clock input'' signal. When not enabled, the output of U2 is in a high impedance state, thereby isolating the card enabling circuit from the data line d6 of the microprocessor 5. Q2 is a phototransistor of the array that detects the reflected light from the clock track mark 2' of FIGS. 3 and 6C, and its sensitivity is determined by the constant current source consisting of Q3 and the resistor network R4, R5, R13 and R11. is defined by the amount of current applied to the collector of Q2 from . Diode D2 is coupled between resistors R4 and R5 for temperature compensation, while capacitor C2 is coupled between R5-R11-R to limit high frequency response.
It is provided at 13 connection points. The amount of current from Q3 is defined by a voltage divider formed by resistors R5 and R13 in parallel with the combination of R7, R8, R9 and R10. These resistors are connected to the microprocessor's data lines d0, d1, and d1 through four latches U7A-U7D, respectively.
Bonded to d2 and d3. The data line is also coupled through U8 to latch U9, which controls printer operation. U8 also receives inputs from card sense and clock track lines d6 and d7.
By outputting a logic "0" on the data line and enabling latch U7, the corresponding resistor is grounded. That is, it is placed in parallel with R13, thereby reducing the effective resistance of the resistor network. However, data line d0-
A logic "1" on any of d3 produces the opposite effect. That is, the effective resistance value of the circuit network will increase. Therefore, the sensitivity of the clock track phototransistor Q2 can be controlled by a program within the microprocessor 5. Capacitor C1 limits the high frequency response, and resistor R3 provides hysteresis,
Improves immunity to noise by widening the positive and negative going transition levels. Buffers U3 and U4 are each provided across C1 and across R3 in series, and U4 is coupled to buffer U5 which feeds the base of Q4 and buffer U6, which will be described below. Transistor Q4 passes through current limiting resistor R6,
Current is supplied to LEDD3 to provide a visual indication of the operation of the card detector sensor for diagnostic purposes. The base of Q4 is coupled to buffer U6 with a tristate output similar to U2.
The microprocessor 5 operates the clock track detector in the following manner. Under normal conditions, when the card T is inserted, the microprocessor will accept an interrupt indication that the signal on the data line d7 is black (because the plastic card guide 3 is black). , interruption of card detection is enabled. Next, the white card is the clock track phototransistor Q2.
The microprocessor immediately adjusts to black by first raising resistors R7-R10 with latch U7 before reaching . This causes the output on d7 to be directed to black. The R7-R10 parallel resistance combination is then successively lowered (so as to reduce the effective falling resistance value) until the output on d7 corresponds to white. Here, d
The effective resistance increases until the output at 7 returns to the black state, at a level just above the required white transition. Here, the guard end is the phototransistor Q2
The operation will be carried out under the conditions for passing through. This is d7
This is indicated by the output from black to white. We now increase the effective falling resistance of the parallel combination of resistors R7-R10 until the output at d7 indicates black. At such times, the effective falling resistance value is reduced until the output at d7 returns to the white state, just below the level required to transition to black. This sensitivity setting may be referred to as "white sensitivity." At this point, it is awaited that the phototransistor Q2 reaches the black adjustment mark. The computer is
We now reduce the effective drop resistance until d7 indicates white, then reverse it until d7 returns to the black state just above where a transition to white is required. This setting may be referred to as "black sensitivity." The computer then calculates the clock track threshold to be approximately midway between black and white sensitivity and causes U7 to set the resistor combination accordingly. As previously mentioned, in accordance with the present invention, the data channel mark sense detectors Q5, Q6, etc. are operated differently from the clock track circuit of FIG. A schematic of the data channel mark sense detector is shown in FIG. Phototransistors Q5-Q12 correspond to array 17 of FIG. 6B. Each phototransistor is
Associated with a CMOS bidirectional switch (such as the 4016 or 4066 type), U10-U
Those labeled 17 correspond to the respective phototransistors Q5-Q12. Bidirectional switches U10-U17 are activated on the "reset" line when conditioned by an interruption in the clock track, thereby causing the each capacitor C3-C coupled to
10 charges are allowed. As soon as that is possible (i.e. several instruction cycles of the microprocessor 5), the switch U10-U
It will be deactivated on the 17th. Phototransistor Q5-Q
12 then activates each capacitor C3- at different rates in proportion to the amount of light incident on them.
Discharge C10. Phototransistors that accept more light have a lower collector-to-emitter impedance and their corresponding capacitors are discharged at a higher rate. Buffers U18-U25 are connected to capacitors C3-
C10, so that the waveform sharpens from the negative direction to the end when the capacitor is approximately half discharged.
Three-state latches U26-U33 are coupled to buffers U18-U25, respectively, and the corresponding output data lines d0-d7 are read by microprocessor 5. Initially, the capacitors do not have enough time to discharge, so there are ``1''s on all of the data lines. This read process is repeated until one of the data lines transitions from high to low. The resulting data word is stored in memory along with the total number of reads made by the microprocessor up to the occurrence of this transition. The read process then continues, storing the data word and the number of reads (corresponding to the decay time) each time a transition occurs on one of the data lines. When all data lines are transitioned low, reading of this mark sense column or line is terminated. Accepting the interruption of the clock track of difference,
The next column or horizontal line of mark sense data is read out in the same manner. This process is repeated twelve times, corresponding to the ten digit columns or lines for card T's start code 2A, stop code 2B and format 6 in FIG. 3, as previously explained. The microprocessor is
Sorting of data stored in columnar format by column is performed in the usual manner. The decay times for each of the 12 entries in each column are compared and the entry corresponding to the two longest decay times is selected. According to the operation in this invention, in each column of the mark sense field 6 of the time card T, one
Since one and only one intended data mark is required, one of the entries selected by the microprocessor can be either a start code or a stop code (depending on the column). It must be. However, if none of the selected marks correspond to the correct start or stop code, the card is considered to have been unsuccessfully read. The appropriate response is then initiated by the microprocessor. MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL From the foregoing, one skilled in the art will find it easy to implement the present invention.
A suitable computer program for controlling printers, displays, etc. will be outlined. The software configuration consists of three priority levels for external I/O functions. The highest priority functions are the following three variants of the 60-cycle interrupt handler: One variation is used when an interruption occurs while the control program is executing its initial routine. The second one is a normal 60-bit model that allows bi-directional updates of time data and display, similar to the operation of a bell scheduler.
A cycle interrupt handler. And the third one is used when an interruption occurs while reading the timecard, which causes the time data to be updated. These interruptions have the highest priority and are not masked because if they are not handled, they will result in cumulative time errors. The next priority level is card detection sensor 1
5. Processed with interruptions caused by clock track detector Q2 etc. and printer timing pulses. These interrupts can be masked so that if a 60 cycle interrupt is accepted while processing these functions, they will interrupt themselves and the 60 cycle interrupt function will be faster (number 3). Execution of the variant is completed. For example, type Z
-80 microprocessors are fast enough to complete execution of both maskable and non-maskable routines in the required time, comparable to reading the clock track. It was discovered that The lowest priority level is
Scanning the keyboard 27, 2nd and 9th
Provision is made for handling communications between multiple clocks of a single system at 23 in the figure, and for handling communications between clocks such as at 25 and a central payroll processing computer. This function is processed by passing computer cycles through the appropriate I/O port until interrupted by a priority 1 or 2 function. Time Clock Program Control Logic (Power-On Interrupt) Initial Routine 1 Undoes the currently running program so that the initial procedure is completed regardless of any previously accepted interrupts. , loads the interrupt vector with the address of the unmasked interrupt handler. 2 Scan the keyboard until the date, time, and date are entered. 3. Update the date and time information, update the time display, and load the interrupt vector along with the address of a variant of the unmasked 60-cycle interrupt handler that operates the bell schedule. 4 Initialize all data tables and variables. 5. Load the interrupt vector along with the address of the maskable card detection interrupt handler.

【table】

【table】

【table】

[Table] This is

This is YES final a. Reset the data flag.
data

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A time clock recording method for use with time and other data cards having user identification information and space for recording additional data, comprising: electronically storing identification, time, and other data; a plurality of markers are successively provided on the edge of the card, and the markers are monitored at each check-in and check-out; Defining an appropriate marker associated with an appropriate data recording position on the card and stopping the card at said position; At an intermediate position of the card, a plurality of markers for dividing the mark sheet field are successively arranged in the vertical direction. monitor the marker and electronically read out the user identification information in the field at each check-in; electronically summing the time periods between check-in and check-out and persisting the recorded data with respect to the user's total time period; and A method for recording, calculating and related uses of time clocks, characterized in that data is recorded in the data recording position on the card at checkout, and the card is released after recording. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising directly transmitting said data regarding stored total time periods for remote processing. 3 User identification information is indicated on the card by a string of digits, and the user can be identified by comparing the last digit of the above string with the total of the remaining digits of the string of digits. The method of claim 1, further comprising: 4 further comprising, if the identification of the user fails, an instruction to the effect that the identification has failed;
A method according to claim 3. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising inputting an instruction to switch the operation of the time clock record to either a supervisor mode or a maintenance mode, and to change information or test the operation, respectively. . 6. A time clock recording and calculating device for use with cards for time and other data, having user identification information and space for recording additional data, which: means 2 for allowing the insertion along a predetermined path; a plurality of markers are provided in succession in the longitudinal direction on the edge of the card, and the markers are monitored to determine the insertion of the card; means 2, 17 arranged along said path for defining a suitable marker associated with a suitable data recording position and stopping said card at said position; in an intermediate position of said card a mark sheet field; A plurality of dividing markers are provided continuously in the vertical direction, and are arranged along the path for monitoring the markers and reading out and identifying user identification information in the field. Means 2, 1
7; means 19 disposed along said path, normally inactive, but for recording additional data in said position of a card when activated, and subsequently releasing said card; and; identification. means for storing other data; means responsive to reading identification information on said card for summing time periods between times of insertion of said card; and generating summing data regarding a user and their corresponding time period; , a microprocessor and memory means 5 comprising means for storing; and inputting said data into said recording means, validating said data and recording said data in said space of said card. A device for recording, calculating and related uses of time clocks, characterized in that it comprises means 21' for making the totals available immediately on the card and in the recording means. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means capable of directly transmitting said sum of data from said storage means to a remote processing device, such as a payroll processing means. 8. Apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for adjusting the time period according to a predetermined rule in order to obtain the desired summation data. 9 The card is provided with a clock track including markers arranged continuously in the vertical direction, and a clock track detection means aligned with the track and reading the data marked on the card is provided. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising mark sense reading means comprising a plurality of data channels sensing means for detecting a plurality of data channels. 10 The user's identification is indicated on the card by a string of digits, and by comparing the last digit of the above digit string with the total of the remaining digits of the above digit string, the user can be identified. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising means. 11. The device according to claim 10, further comprising abnormality indicating means 13 responsive to said comparison and for indicating failure of said user identification. 12. Means for switching the operation of the device to one of the supervisor mode or maintenance mode; means for inputting commands for changing stored information and testing operation, respectively; 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising keyboard means. 13. characterized in that said switching means is a card containing appropriate identification and command data;
Apparatus according to claim 12. 14 further comprising enabling means for causing the change of the information to be performed by a combination of operation of the keyboard means and command data of the card;
The apparatus according to claim 13. 15. The memory means includes a program memory means and a data storage memory means; the device further comprises a numerical display means for displaying time; and means for detecting the presence of the card upon insertion of the card. 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises: 16. Claim 15, wherein the readout means includes mark sense detection means.
The equipment described in section. 17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the mark sense sensing means comprises an array of optical sense detectors arranged along the predetermined path. 18. said recording means is responsive to said data from said microprocessor and memory means;
18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that it is a dot matrix printer. 19. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising means capable of transmitting data directly from the recording means to one of the external and internal communication ports. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the external communication port is a modem and auto-answer telephone link means. 21. said internal communication port is a frequency shift keying modem means, said modem means being coupled to other similar time clock recording and computing devices used simultaneously by synchronization and ordering effects of communication channels; 20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that: 22. In a time clock device comprising: means for receiving a time card means; optical mark sense reader means; and means for sensing the presence of a time card and the position of the card along said receiving means; Said time card means T to be inserted is provided with a plurality of markers 2' arranged successively on the edge of the card to enable sensing of the card position.
and; a mark data field 6 for accepting an identification mark for mark sense reading; and a marker placed at the edge for accepting a printout of time and related data along the appropriate card position marker. a printout field 10 having a blank area for detecting the time card; and further characterized in that said receiving means includes a card presence sensing area 17 for indicating the presence of said time card means. 23. The time card means further comprises predetermined stop marks 2B and start marks 2A on the bottom and top surfaces of the mark data field for verifying reading of the mark sense. 23. The time clock device according to item 22. 24. Predetermining a suitable card position marker for a subsequent printout position, said card position sensing means detecting a marker located on said edge while a time card is inserted into said receiving means. Claim 22, further comprising means for stopping said time card means so that a printout occurs when a specified number of counts have been made and said appropriate card position marker has been defined. The time clock device described in Section 1. 25. Time clock device according to claim 22, characterized in that said time card means further comprises a series of markers 2'' extending through and between said mark data fields. 26. Electronic storage. further comprising means 5; the electronic storage means storing identification, time, and other data related to the predetermined identification mark; and the electronic storage means responsive to mark sense reading of the identification mark. 27. The time clock device according to claim 24, characterized in that the printing out is performed along the appropriate card position markers of the stored data.27. The correctness of the digit string is checked by the last digit; and the second claim further comprises means for checking the correctness of the digit while reading the digit.
The time clock device according to item 6. 28 electronic storage means 5 for storing identification, time and other data related to a predetermined identification mark; 26. A time clock device as claimed in claim 25, further comprising means 13 for indicating that card means has been inserted into said receiving means. 29 further comprising a keyboard 27 which is normally inactive but, when activated, allows for the exchange of data in said storage means; means responsive to a mark sense reading of the time clock device; thereby disabling the time clock device and activating the keyboard to enable exchange of data in the storage means, and thereafter reactivating the time clock device. Claim 2, characterized in that it is returned to an operating state.
The time clock device according to item 6. 30. CHECK AND MAINTENANCE Further comprising normally inactive keyboard means for either testing or modifying the time clock device for similar purposes; means responsive to a mark sense reading of a special diagnostic identification mark; thereby activating said keyboard to place the time clock device in a modified operating state and to return the time clock device back to an operating state after such changing operation; , a time clock device according to claim 26. 31 Keyboard means are provided which are normally inactive, but which, when activated, allow either the exchange of data in said storage means or the operation test of the time clock device; means for said storage means to be responsive to the switching means; whereby the time clock device is deactivated, the keyboard means is activated and either said data exchange or operational test is carried out, and then the time clock device is returned to the activated state. A time clock device according to claim 26. 32 A clock track comprising a track of black marks arranged vertically in a continuous manner at predetermined intervals, and a mark sense field consisting of horizontal lines arranged continuously in the vertical direction at predetermined intervals. A time clock recording and calculating device for use with a card of time and other data comprising: guide means 2 for accepting the card and allowing it to be inserted and passed along a predetermined path; and for reading marks on the card. a plurality of clock track sensing means disposed along said path and aligned with said track for reading data along a plurality of spaces between said sequential transverse lines of said mark sense field; photosensitive mark sensing means 17 comprising data channel sensing means; printing means 19 disposed along said path and normally inactive but responsive to print data on the card when activated; and; microprocessor means 5 having data and control lines coupled to the mark sense printing means and means for storing identification and other data; clock track sensing means for detecting the background of the card; means for sensing black marks on the clock track and, in response, setting the sensitivity of the mark sense detection means intermediate therebetween; and in response to each successive break in the clock track, the data means for storing data read by the data channel sensing means in microprocessor means along successive lines of said mark sense field passing through the channel sensing means; means for indicating the position of a subsequent line of upper space; and means for activating printing means, controlled by said enabling means, to print said new data on said subsequent line. A time clock recording and calculating device comprising: 33. The means for actuating said printing means include means for capturing the card and holding it fixedly in a position relative to said successive line of space aligned with the printing means; after printing, the card is 33. Time clock recording and calculating device according to claim 32, characterized in that the time clock is released and can be withdrawn through guide means. 34. The time clock recording and calculating device of claim 32, further comprising keyboard means for initializing date and time and for entering command functions. 35. A time clock recording and calculating device according to claim 32, further comprising indicating means for indicating deviation from normal operation. 36 Detecting either transmission or reflection of light,
33. A time clock recording and calculating device as claimed in claim 32, further comprising means for positively determining the presence or absence of a card in the guide means. 37. said guide means is black in color; sensitivity setting means corresponds to the sense of said black guide means and means for initially calibrating said macroprocessor means to black; means for producing a white sensitivity condition immediately below the required transition to black in response to the arrival of a black track mark in said clock track sensing means; and means for causing the microprocessor to set the sensitivity of the sensing means intermediate between said black and white sensitivities. A time clock recording and computing device as claimed in claim 32. 38 The readout by the data channel detection means for continuous lines of the mark sense field is performed by the start code, stop code and 10
33. A clock recording and calculating device according to claim 32, characterized in that the clocking is performed 12 times in response to sequential interruptions of the clock track corresponding to lines of digits. 39 Under the conditions of interruption of the normal 60 cycles to update both time and display data, interruptions occurring during date and time initialization, and interruptions during reading of the card to update time data, Claim 32 further comprising means for processing a 60 cycle interrupt for the microprocessor.
The time clock recording and calculating device described in Section 1. 40 clock track sensing means coupled through a resistive network to define a current supplied to the photo transistor means responsive to light reflected from the clock track marks on the card; 33. A time clock according to claim 32, comprising means for controlling, by microprocessor means, the resistance value of said resistor network with respect to the control of the sensitivity of the phototransistor means. Recording and calculation equipment. 41. The resistor network is coupled to the microprocessor means by means of a data line through latch means; and is operated in accordance with the programming of the microprocessor means to vary the effective resistance value of the network. , a time clock recording and computing device as claimed in claim 32. 42. The data channel sensing means includes a plurality of phototransistors; each of the data channel sensing means includes bidirectional switch means;
a capacitor charged through said switch means by each phototransistor in response to said clock track interruption; said switch means thereafter charging at different rates relative to the light read by each phototransistor. 33. A time clock recording and calculating device according to claim 32, characterized in that the capacitor can be discharged at 43. A time clock recording and calculating device according to claim 42, characterized in that data resulting from the discharge of said capacitor is stored in said microprocessor means. 44 is operated on when all said horizontal lines of data have been read; enabling the microprocessor means to sort the data stored in the lines into column format; comparing the decay times of the columns; 44. A time clock recording and calculating device as claimed in claim 43, including means for defining two maximum times and then selecting one of them as the correct start or stop mark. 45. A time clock recording and calculating device according to claim 32, characterized in that the clock track marks are arranged longitudinally along the edge of the card. 46. A time clock recording and calculating device according to claim 32, characterized in that the clock track mark is arranged vertically in the center of the card. 47 For use in time clock recording and calculating devices using data cards having a track of vertically arranged continuous black marks at predetermined intervals and space for a mark sense field for data. A mark sensing device comprising: guide means 2 for accepting a card and allowing insertion and passage of the card along a predetermined path; arranged along said path for reading marks on the card; a photosensitive mark sensing means 17 comprising clock track sensing means aligned with said track and data channel sensing means for reading data along said mark sense field; and and means for setting the sensitivity of the mark sense detection means to an intermediate level in response to the sense of the mark. 48. said guide means is black; a sensitivity setting means corresponds to the sense of said black guide means and means for initially calibrating said macroprocessor means to black; means for producing a white sensitivity condition immediately below the required transition to black in response to the arrival of a black track mark in said clock track sensing means; and means for causing the microprocessor to set the sensitivity of the sensing means intermediate between said black and white sensitivities. A mark sense device according to claim 47. 49 The clock track sensing means comprises phototransistor means responsive to reflected light from the clock track mark on the card; and a constant current coupled through a resistor network to define the current supplied to the phototransistor means. 49. A mark sensing device as claimed in claim 48, including means for controlling, by means of a microprocessor, the resistance value of the resistor network with respect to controlling the sensitivity of the phototransistor. 50 said resistor network is coupled by a data line to the microprocessor means through latch means and is operated in response to programming of the microprocessor means to vary the effective resistance of said network; A mark sense device according to claim 49. 51. The method of claim 47, wherein said data channel sensing means further comprises a plurality of photosensitive sensing means responsive to successive clock tracking means for reading successive lines of said mark sense field. mark sense device. 52. said data channel photosensitive sensing means includes a plurality of phototransistors; each of said data channel photosensitive sensing means includes a bidirectional switch means and a respective phototransistor in response to said clock track interruption; Claims comprising a capacitor charged through switch means; said switch means thereafter discharging said capacitor at different rates in relation to the light read out by the respective phototransistor. The mark sense device according to item 51.